Lewis released by Tigers coach

Thames Valley Tigers' head coach Paul James has released American centre Jason Lewis.

He said: "It has been amicably agreed that he should leave, because he's not been contributing what we would expect and he has felt the pressure of that.

"It's a shame that he hasn't had time to settle down, because I think he's a good player and he could be a great player. The whole thing has been a bit overwhelming for him, with it being his first professional job, I think it was a bit of a culture shock for him anyway and I think he was struggling on several levels.

"But, I was really pleased with his work rate and effort, because he's a real team man and a nice person and the team will be sorry to lose him, but it's a business and we have to improve the team if we feel we are lacking."

The 6ft 8in Lewis has averaged five points and six rebounds per game for the Tigers so far this season, since his move from Kentucky State University in the summer.

However, James has revealed that he hopes to have a replacement signed in time for this weekend's BBL Championship and ntl:home National Cup double-header.

Tigers travel to the Thunderdome to play Derby Storm on Saturday in the BBL Championship (tip-off 7.30pm). They then take on Milton Keynes Lions in the quarter-finals of the Cup on Sunday at the Skydome Arena in Coventry (1.45pm).

Lee Walker is receiving treatment for the knee injury he suffered against Birmingham Bullets.

Walker's excellent early-season play never recovered after a broken foot last season and on Saturday night the Welshman was left clutching his knee in agony on Saturday after becoming the meat in a Bullets sandwich.

In the meantime, James paid tribute to the outstanding play of co-captain Eric Burks after he provided the inspiration that turned the spectre of defeat against the Bullets into a welcome two points.

Tigers were trailing by six with less than a minute in the second period before Burks scored two and drew the foul. He was also involved in Kelvin Robinson's similar three-point play and then sank a long-range three to give the home side a three-point half-time advantage.

Burks top scored for Tigers with 19 points and James said: "He is a quality player who is doing what I bought him to do.

"He is going out at people and is a real scoring threat."

Tigers' boss added: "He is doing what Burks does and is loving running this team right now."